Turkish PM, Merkel discuss 1915 events resolution

German parliament will vote on Thursday a resolution that aims to recognize 1915 events as 'genocide'

30.05.2016

Ankara

ANKARA

Turkish Prime Minister Binali Yildirim spoke with Chancellor Angela Merkel over a German resolution aimed at recognizing the deaths of Armenians in 1915 as "genocide", sources from Turkey's Prime Ministry said Monday.

German lawmaker Albert Weiler announced on May 6 that the German parliament would consider voting on such a resolution on Thursday.

Yildirim called on the German government and parliament to show common sense over the resolution, said the sources, who were not named according to protocol.

He also said Turkey and Turks living in Germany were concerned about the "baseless and unfair" attempt by the German parliament to characterize the 1915 events.

Last year, parliamentary parties had approved the resolution in principle but had sent it to committee for further work.

The deaths of Armenians in eastern Anatolia in 1915 occurred after some sided with the invading Russians and revolted against Ottoman forces. A subsequent relocation of Armenians resulted in numerous casualties.

Turkey rejects labeling the deaths as "genocide" but acknowledges that large numbers died on both sides.